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Disaster Assistance Recovery Center Opens In Kapa'au

HONOLULU, Hawaii -- A new Disaster Assistance Recovery Center (DARC) will open on the Big Island, Hawaii, Wednesday, November 1, to serve individuals and businesses impacted by the October 15 Kiholo Earthquake . It joins two other DARCs that opened October 27.

All three centers, located at the addresses below, will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. until further notice.

Hawaii residents who suffered losses or damages as a result of the earthquake can go the Disaster Assistance Recovery Centers to follow up on their registration. Those affected by the disaster are urged to register for assistance first by calling toll-free 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1 800 462 7585 (TTY) for the hearing and speech impaired, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. (local time), seven days a week. Hawaii residents also can register online at www.fema.gov. Those who have questions can visit the center to meet with recovery and mitigation specialists.

Representatives of state, federal, and voluntary agencies are at the centers with information and written materials about various assistance programs. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) representatives will answer questions about SBA low interest disaster loans, issue and accept disaster loan applications, and provide individuals and business owners with assistance in completing their loan applications. Anyone not able to visit a DRC can call the SBA at 1-800-659-2955 if they have any questions about SBA low interest disaster loans.

Information provided at the center is not only useful to those who suffered damages from the October 15 earthquake, any area resident can visit the center and find out what they can do to reduce future earthquake damage.

Recovery specialists at the centers can provide information to disaster victims about:

The status of the application they have already made by phone or online.

Referrals for temporary rental assistance resources.

Why they should submit an SBA low interest disaster loan application, how SBA disaster loans can help them pay for their disaster losses, how to get an SBA low interest loan application, and how to complete and return it to SBA.

Effective techniques to reduce the impact of future damage.

Federal disaster tax assistance.

Information about the Individuals and Households Program, which includes Housing and Other Needs Assistance.

Additional referral information, handouts and contact numbers for other assistance.

Individuals who are unable to visit the Disaster Recovery Center and have questions about disaster assistance, rebuilding, or preventive measures to avoid future damages are urged to call the same toll-free numbers listed above and select the option for "General Information" or go online to www.fema.gov.

FEMA’s temporary housing assistance and grants for public transportation expenses, medical and dental expenses, and funeral and burial expenses do not require individuals to apply for an SBA loan. However, applicants who receive SBA loan applications must submit them to SBA loan officers to be eligible for assistance that covers personal property, vehicle repair or replacement, and moving and storage expenses.

FEMA manages federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident, initiates mitig...